Alternative Policing Strategies and Public Security Administration: A Case Study of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E6/2026-16Keywords:
Alternative policing, Public Security Administration, Security Corps, Hybrid Security Governance, Accountability, etc.Abstract
This study examines alternative policing strategies and public security administration in Nigeria using the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) as a case study. The main objective is to assess its legal framework, effectiveness in crime reduction, oversight mechanisms and broader implications for federal systems with weak central policing capacity. The study adopts a qualitative case study design and relies on policy documents, government and civil society reports, media sources and peer-reviewed literature, analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings indicate that the ESSC operates under a state law that supports intelligence gathering and crime prevention, with moderate contributions to improved public safety. However, significant accountability gaps exist, as highlighted by the 2025 Uromi, Edo State incident due to weak oversight structures and unclear disciplinary mechanisms. The study recommends legal reforms to strengthen oversight, compulsory training for operatives, formal collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the establishment of national guidelines for state-backed security corps.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ifeanyichukwu King-David Bernard, Dike Alexander Ifunanya PhD (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
